Fumito Ganryu + Yoshikazu Yamagata (writtenafterwards) 2021 Autumn/Winter Collection
FUMITO GANRYU held their 2021 Autumn/Winter collection runway at The National Art Center in Tokyo. The presentation was part of Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo and continued its hybrid style collection of shows from last season during this ongoing pandemic. The show and space was directed by Yoshikazu Yamagata of “writtenafterwards.” One of the themes of the show was “Point Of View” and in fact included members of the Japanese punk idol group “BiSH.” They supported the theme by carrying GoPros and live broadcasting their “point of view" called "BiSH eye."
The runway was organized in a space on the first floor of The National Art Center with triangular structures set up along the runway path. At first, one could dismiss these hollow teepee-like structures as just that. However, these structures echoed the Gasshō-zukuri houses found prevalent in Shirakawa-gō, a small traditional village in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. It is recognized as a World Heritage Site.
During the show, the models walked between and around these hollow gasshō-zukuri for the duration. The pieces were actually shown as looks back in January but hit the runway for the first time with additional styling flourishes. Big faux fur hats reminded some of us of 90’s Jamiroquai while pieces included QR codes that when scanned, lead to the brand’s online website.
Models wore practical pieces such as flannel shirts, sweaters, oversized parkas and duffle coats. Athleisure was well represented through jogging pants with long cuffs and fits were relaxed and in line with the current trends.
The most unique aspect of the runway were hair accessories attached to some pieces. These were made by recycling cut hair and originated from ideas discussed with the Shisheido hair and makeup team. This offered another theme of sustainable practices.
The runway concluded with original t-shirts in collaboration with Neglect Adult Patients, another brand holding a physical show during the week. The unmistakable Beatles’ song “Across The Universe” played during the final walk.
About Fumito Ganryu
Fumito Ganryu was born in Fukuoka, Japan and graduated from the prestigious Bunka Fashion College in 2000. In 2004, he became a pattern maker for Comme des Garçons under Junya Watanabe. Eventually, he impressed Rei Kawakubo enough to be offered his own line "Ganryu." A mixing of streetwear, workwear and high concepts led to a small loyal cult fan following. Despite this, CDG decided to part ways and the line was abruptly ended.
His namesake brand was launched independently in 2018 and he showed his 2019 Spring/Summer collection at Pitto Uomo. This was his first time showing at Tokyo Fashion Week.